Posted on December 20, 2025
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, will officially open the new passenger terminal building at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GGN) in Guwahati, Assam today. The total financial outlay for constructing the terminal was about ₹4,000 crores (about US$546 million). This facility, when completed, will be the largest of its type located in Northeast India and will greatly enhance air transport links between different destinations while improving access to tourist attractions and positively impacting regional economic development.
The Prime Minister will arrive in Guwahati around 3:00 pm. The inauguration is part of his two-day visit to Assam.
The new terminal has been extensively shared on social media because of its striking architectural design, and is referred to as the biggest airport terminal in Northeast India, being seven times larger than the current one and developed to satisfy the increasing Aviation & Connectivity requirements in the area.
Once operational, it is projected to accommodate 13.1 million passengers per year by the year 2032 and will serve as a Regional Connectivity Hub to enhance the connection between India and Southeast Asia. The terminal will be able to accommodate 34 Air Traffic Movements per hour, which is the highest capacity in Northeast India. Sources say it will also be equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Nature-Themed Architectural Design
The terminal is distinct from other terminals due to its unique design, although it has an advanced technological component and a large size. The architectural and interior design of the airport has been influenced by the culture and geography of North East India. The interior decorations use the region’s exceptional variety of orchids as a colour for the walls and the floor, and the materials used to make the decor reflect the natural shapes and colours of bamboo, which is an important plant in the region; both of these influences create a harmonious blend with the topographical features of the North East. The airport terminal represents India’s first nature-inspired airport terminal, an idea expressed in the terminal through the theme of “Bamboo Orchids.”
A distinguishing feature of this terminal’s design is its unique and easily identified feature its Bamboo Vault. In addition to being a cultural symbol of the Northeast region, bamboo has also been significantly used in the design of the Terminal. The design for the Vault Area is envisioned as a multifaceted cultural hub designed to promote community interaction and stimulate cultural exchange.
Almost 140 metric ton of bamboo from the Northeast has been used as a major building material in the terminal’s design. Along with the bamboo, the terminal incorporates extensive green landscaping, designed based on Kaziranga landscapes, using traditional japi motifs, the famous rhinoceros symbol and 57 orchid form columns to create a supportive visual environment that reflects the iconic Kopou flower.
The “Sky Forest”, is a significant part of the passenger experience. It contains almost one hundred thousand native species plants. This area of the terminal is designed to feel very much like a real forest. It provides an immersive environment for passengers arriving at the airport.
Smart Digital Integration
The Integrated New Terminal Building covers an area of approximately 140,000 square metres and is designed to serve 13 million passengers every year, along with significant enhancements to the runway, airfield systems, aprons, taxiways and general land-side and air-side areas.
The new terminal offers a high degree of digital integration, providing maximum convenience for all travelers through the implementation of various technologies. There are 14 separate entry points, which include four DigiYatra gates for the convenience of travelers. The new terminal also provides many new and advanced conveniences for travelers, including full-body scanners to speed up the security screening process using an easy and non-invasive system, automated baggage handling, express immigration processing and AI-supported operations management throughout the airport.
During his two days in Assam in March 2020, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation for numerous projects and also address public gatherings. Visiting the Swahid Smarak Kshetra (Martyr’s Memorial Ground), the Prime Minister will honour those who sacrificed their lives during the Assamese Movement. This was a popular movement that lasted six years, during which people united to create a foreigner free State and protect its borders and identity.
The Prime Minister shall lay the foundation for a new Brownfield Ammonia Urea Fertiliser Production Facility at the existing location of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited (BVFCL) in Namrup, Dibrugarh District, Assam. The Bhoomipujan ceremony will be performed later on the same day as the laying of the foundation; however, the Bhoomipujan ceremony will take place in the afternoon rather than in the early morning as is traditionally done.
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